The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-09-04
CHAPTER XVIII.

less James Burbank. charged being his &C
complice and sentenced to the same penalty,
would die with him.
As we know, Texar held the committee in
band. His word alone was law. The execution
of the father and the son would be the prelude
to sanguinary excuses against the Northerners
in Florida and all who shared in their ideas
on the slavery question. What amount OF
personal vengeance would be gratifed under the
cloak of civil war; Nothing but the pr essence
of the federal troops could put stop to this.
But would they come, and, above all, would they
come before the first victims had been sacrificed
to the Spaniard's shatredR
Unfortunately it seemed to be doubtful.
One can fancy the anguish at Castle House at
this prolonged delay.
It seemed as though the plan of ascending the
St. Johns had been temporarily abandoned by
Stevens. The eunboats made no movement to
leave their anchorage. Did they not dare to
elear the bar now that Mars was not with them
to pilot them along the chanpell Had they
given MP the itea of taking Jacksonville, aud by
the capture assuring safety to the plantations on
The ST. John's7 What events OF the war
had modified the projects Of Commodore Du-
pontl
Such were the questions that Mr.. Stannard
and Overseer Perry asked themselves during
this interminable day of the 18th of March
From the news then current it seemed that
The federal efforts in this part of Florida. be-
tween the river and sea, were confined to the
coast. Commodore Dupont in the Wabash,
with the heaviest eunboats Of the squadron had
Just appeared in the Bay of St Augustine. 1t
was even reported that the militia were prepar-
ing to abandon the town without attempting to
defend Fort Marion any more than Fort Church
had been defended ct the surrender OF Fernan-
dina.
Such, as least, was the news brought by the
overseer during the morning to Castle House.
And he at once reported it to Mr.. Stannard and
Edward Carol, whose wound not having
healed, was obliged to recline on one of the sofas
In the hall
''The federals at St Augustine" said the lat
ter; land why do they not come to Jackson
vile4'
Perhaps they only wish to blockade the river
without taking possession" answered Ferry.
James and Gilbert are lost if Jacksonville
remains in Texars hands" said Mr.. Stannard
Gould 1 not CO." said Perry. land tell Com
modore Dupont that Mr.. Burbank and his son
are in such dangerP
"It would take a day to reach ST. Augustine"
said Carol, ''even supposing that you were not
stopped by the retreating militia And before
Dupont could order Stevens occupy Jackson
Vile, too much time would have gone! Besides
there is this bar-this river-bar which the gun
boats cannot pass. How can they save our poor
Gilbert who is to die morrowl No! it is
TO St. Augustine you should CO. but to Jackson
vile! 1t is not TO Commodore Dupont you
should appeal, but to-Texar!"
"Mr Carol is right, father and I will go!" said
Alice, who had heard the last few words
The brave girl was willing to risk anything
for Gilberts safety.
The evening before, when he left Candles
Bay, James Burbank had particularly enjoned
that bis wife should not be told of his departure
to Jacksonville. 1t was better to hide from her
that the committee had ordered his arrest. Mrs.
Burbank was thus unaware of his having gone
AZ she unaware of the fate of her son,
whom she believed to be board the iotllla.
How could the unhappy woman bear up under
the double blow that had fallen her? Her
bus band in the power of Texar, her son the
eve OF being executed She would never sur
vive il. When she had asked to see James
Burbank Alice had replied that he had left
Castle House in resumption OF his search after
Dy and Zermah. and that he would be away
'orty eight hours, SO that all Mrs. Burbanks
thoughts were concentrated on her stolen child
Alice knew all the dangers that threatened
James and Gilbert Burbank. She knew that the
young officer to be shot in the morning, and
hat the same fate was in store for his father.
But though she knew all this, she resolved to
zee Texar and asked Mr.. Carol to take her
across the river.
"You-Alice-at Jacksonville!" exclaimed Mr.
Stannard.
'Father, it is necessary"
Mr.. STANDARDS very natural hesitation sud
leny ceased before the necessity Of acting with
mt delay. If Gilbert could be saved, il was only
" the way Alice wished TO try. Perhaps by
asting herself at Texar's knees she could shake
ais resolution Perhaps she might obtain res
,itei Perhaps she might find support among
he better citizens who might be induced to rise
eainst the intolerabe tyranny of the commit
ee. In short, she must go to Jacksonville what
ver danger she might run.
perry" she said. will you take me to Har-
'ey's house7r
'.Immedistely," said the overseer.
''No. Alice; will GO with you," said Mr.. Stan
ard
eyes, will Let us start" i
you. Stannard2r asked Carol. "You are ex-
losing your life. They know your opinions"
what does il matter?r said Mr.. Stannard. 81 |
will not let my daughter 60 alone amongst those |
'agabonds. Perry stay at Castle House, as |
ou cannot walk yet, for must prepare in |
ase We are detained"
"If Mrs. Burbank asks for you" said Carroll |
If she asks for Alice what am 1 to say7'
"Say that we have gone with James in his |
earch on the other side of the river. Tell her. |
necessary, that we have had 10 go TO jackson |
ille-in fact, anything you like to keep her |
uiet but nothing to lead her to suspect the |
angers that surround her husband and SON. |
Ferry, get a boat ready"
The overscer retired at once, leaving Mr. |
'tannard to prepare for his journey.
1t would be better for Alice not to leave Castle |
louise without telling Mrs. Burbank that she |
nd her father had been obliged to go to Jack |
onville. If need be she could even say that |
'exars party had been superseded. that the